From Breakfast to Dinner: What You Can Cook on a Blackstone Griddle

Outdoor cooking has evolved far beyond the classic charcoal grill. While traditional BBQ setups still hold a special place in backyard culture, many home cooks are discovering the versatility of the Blackstone Griddle. With its flat-top surface, restaurant-style cooking feel, and ability to handle everything from breakfast spreads to dinner feasts, the Blackstone Griddle has become a favorite for families, campers, and food enthusiasts alike.

What Is a Blackstone Griddle?

A gas-powered flat-top cooking surface made of cold-rolled steel. Instead of open grates like a traditional grill, it provides a large, solid, flat surface where heat is evenly distributed. Think of it as bringing a diner-style cooktop into your backyard.

Founded in 2005, Blackstone Products quickly gained popularity by creating affordable, durable griddles in multiple sizes. Their flagship model, the 36-inch Blackstone Griddle, has become an outdoor cooking icon, but the company now offers everything from portable tabletop versions for campers to deluxe backyard stations with air fryers, hoods, and side burners.

Why Choose a Griddle Over a Grill?

Most people are familiar with traditional BBQ grills, but a griddle offers a completely different cooking experience. Here are some advantages:

1. Versatility – You’re not limited to burgers and steaks. You can cook eggs, pancakes, stir-fries, smash burgers, quesadillas, fajitas, and even delicate foods like fish that would fall through grill grates.

2. Even Heat Distribution – The cold-rolled steel surface heats evenly, preventing hot spots and ensuring consistent results.

3. Large Cooking Space – Perfect for families or hosting, the larger Blackstone griddles can cook food for a dozen people at once.

4. Restaurant-Style Cooking – If you’ve ever admired how short-order cooks handle multiple dishes at once on a flat-top, a Blackstone lets you recreate that at home.

5. Easy Cleanup – With no grates to scrub, food scraps and grease can be scraped into a built-in grease management system.

That said, griddles don’t replace grills entirely. They won’t give you that smoky, flame-kissed flavor from open fire. Instead, they excel at producing crispy sears, caramelization, and juicy textures without flare-ups.

Popular Blackstone Griddle Models

Blackstone offers griddles in a variety of sizes and designs. Here’s a breakdown of their most popular models:

🔹 17-Inch Tabletop Griddle

• Portable, compact, and designed for camping or tailgating.

• Runs on a small propane tank.

• Ideal for cooking for 2–4 people.

🔹 22-Inch Tabletop Griddle

• Slightly larger than the 17-inch, offering more cooking space while remaining portable.

• Great for RV trips or small patios.

🔹 28-Inch Griddle

• Mid-sized option, perfect for families.

• Provides enough space for cooking breakfast, lunch, or dinner for 6–8 people.

🔹 36-Inch Griddle (Flagship Model)

• The most popular model.

• Huge cooking area, side shelves, and four burners for temperature control zones.

• Can cook for large gatherings with ease.

🔹 Specialty Models

• Blackstone Griddle + Air Fryer Combo – Includes side air fryers for multi-style cooking.

• Blackstone with Hood – Protects the griddle surface and allows oven-like cooking.

• E-Series (Electric) – Indoor-friendly, electric-powered flat-tops.

What Can You Cook on a Blackstone Griddle?

One of the griddle’s biggest selling points is versatility. Unlike a grill that limits you to certain foods, a Blackstone lets you prepare an entire menu. Some popular dishes include:

• Breakfast: Pancakes, bacon, eggs, hash browns, sausage, French toast.

• Lunch: Smash burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, Philly cheesesteaks.

• Dinner: Stir-fry, fajitas, shrimp, seared scallops, chicken breast.

• Snacks & Sides: Quesadillas, fried rice, grilled veggies, flatbreads.

Essentially, if you can cook it in a pan or skillet, you can cook it on a Blackstone — only with more space and the fun of outdoor cooking.

Maintenance and Seasoning

A Blackstone griddle is made from cold-rolled steel, which means it must be seasoned to prevent rust and create a natural non-stick surface. Proper care is crucial for longevity.

Seasoning Steps:

1. Wash and dry the griddle before first use.

2. Heat it until it darkens, then apply a thin layer of oil (flaxseed, canola, or Blackstone’s own oil).

3. Let the oil smoke and bond to the surface, then repeat 3–4 times.

4. Over time, the surface develops a shiny black coating, similar to cast iron.

Cleaning After Each Use:

• While still warm, scrape food residue into the grease trap.

• Wipe with paper towels or a damp cloth (no soap).

• Apply a thin coat of oil to protect the surface.

With proper seasoning and care, a Blackstone griddle can last for many years.

Pros and Cons

✅ Pros

• Extremely versatile (breakfast, lunch, dinner all in one).

• Large cooking space for gatherings.

• Even heating and great searing capability.

• Easy grease management system.

• Multiple models to fit different lifestyles.

❌ Cons

• Requires seasoning and maintenance.

• Not as portable as a small charcoal grill (for larger models).

• Lacks smoky, flame-grilled flavor.

• Needs propane or electricity (depending on the model).

Blackstone vs. Traditional Grill

Many outdoor chefs actually own both — a grill for smoky BBQ flavor and a griddle for versatility and everyday cooking.

Who Should Buy a Blackstone Griddle?

The Blackstone Griddle is a great investment if you:

• Love cooking outdoors and want more variety than a grill.

• Host family gatherings or neighborhood cookouts.

• Enjoy camping, tailgating, or RV trips (portable models).

• Want a restaurant-style cooking experience at home.

If your main priority is smoky BBQ flavor, stick with a traditional grill or smoker. But if you want speed, versatility, and the ability to cook almost anything outdoors, the Blackstone is hard to beat.

Final Verdict

It has redefined outdoor cooking by offering something grills can’t: versatility and restaurant-style results at home. Whether you’re whipping up breakfast for the family, searing steak for dinner, or cooking stir-fry for a crowd, makes it easy and fun.

It does require maintenance and doesn’t provide the same smoky flavor as charcoal, but those trade-offs are small compared to the freedom it offers. For many, the Blackstone isn’t just a cooking tool — it becomes the centerpiece of their backyard gatherings.

If you’re looking to expand your outdoor cooking game beyond burgers and hot dogs, this is a worthwhile investment that delivers consistent results and endless possibilities.